After you download, install and open Google Chrome, a pop-up appears that asks to make Chrome the default browser. If you agree, Windows 8.1 uses it by default to open clicked links. However, if you chose not to enable this option, you can still make Chrome the default browser using the Chrome settings.

Manually Making Chrome the Default Browser

First open the Chrome menu and select "Settings." Click the "Make Google Chrome My Default Browser" button to request that Chrome be made the default browser. Depending on your Windows 8.1 settings, you need to select "Yes" in the security pop-up and then select "Google Chrome" in the confirmation window that asks which program you want to use for HTTP links.